Abstract: A worm drive includes a worm wheel having two spaced-apart outer rims defining an annular channel therebetween for receiving at least a portion of a worm screw. Each of the rims include a set of side teeth in the annular channel extending that are spaced apart from and face the set of teeth of the other rim. The two sets of teeth capture the worm screw and mesh with the screw thread of the worm screw such that the worm screw is engaged by the teeth only on spaced-apart locations on opposite sides of the worm screw. There are no resultant forces in an axial direction of the worm wheel during operation of the worm drive. Also, the worm screw and the worm wheel are self-aligning in the axial direction of the worm wheel.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has a base for supporting an object, a movable assembly having a probe for measuring the object, and a rail movably guiding the movable assembly along its length. The rail includes carbon fiber and has a rail CTE. The coordinate measuring machine also has an air bearing member circumscribing the rail and fixedly coupled with the movable assembly. The air bearing member has a member CTE, which is about equal to the rail engineered CTE.

Abstract: A worm drive includes a worm wheel having two spaced-apart outer rims defining an annular channel therebetween for receiving at least a portion of a worm screw. Each of the rims include a set of side teeth in the annular channel extending that are spaced apart from and face the set of teeth of the other rim. The two sets of teeth capture the worm screw and mesh with the screw thread of the worm screw such that the worm screw is engaged by the teeth only on spaced-apart locations on opposite sides of the worm screw. There are no resultant forces in an axial direction of the worm wheel during operation of the worm drive. Also, the worm screw and the worm wheel are self-aligning in the axial direction of the worm wheel.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has a base for supporting an object, a movable assembly having a probe for measuring the object, and a rail movably guiding the movable assembly along its length. The rail includes carbon fiber and has a rail CTE. The coordinate measuring machine also has an air bearing member circumscribing the rail and fixedly coupled with the movable assembly. The air bearing member has a member CTE, which is about equal to the rail engineered CTE.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has a base for supporting an object, a movable assembly having a probe for measuring the object, and a rail movably guiding the movable assembly along its length. The rail includes carbon fiber and has a rail CTE. The coordinate measuring machine also has an air bearing member circumscribing the rail and fixedly coupled with the movable assembly. The air bearing member has a member CTE, which is about equal to the rail engineered CTE.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has a base for supporting an object, a movable assembly having a probe for measuring the object, and a rail movably guiding the movable assembly along its length. The rail includes carbon fiber and has a rail CTE. The coordinate measuring machine also has an air bearing member circumscribing the rail and fixedly coupled with the movable assembly. The air bearing member has a member CTE, which is about equal to the rail engineered CTE.

Abstract: A cover for a surface mounted electrical box in which are placed one of a selected group of receptacles each having different electrical plug blade contact arrangements, sizes and shapes. The partial cover has a cut-out and receives therein a selectable modular insert which contains apertures which correspond to the plug prong contacts of the receptacle. The modular insert locks in the cut-out and fits flush with the remainder of the partial cover. Thus, the cover is assembled to match the receptacle within the box.